• Source:JND
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Almost five months since the inauguration of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, a symbol of faith and identity for millions, the Lok Sabha election results sent shockwaves as the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) suffered a stunning setback in its stronghold. The saffron party’s loss in the Faizabad Lok Sabha constituency, where the temple town is located, took people by surprise as the BJP, whose fervent Ram Mandir pitch had once galvanized emotions, conceded defeat to the Samajwadi Party. The constituency rejected two-time BJP MP Lallu Singh and instead voted in favour of Samajwadi Party's Awadhesh Prasad. 

Prasad defeated Singh by 54,567 votes. The BJP's lacklustre performance was not just restricted to Ayodhya, as the opposition INDIA bloc cut BJP down to size across the state as the saffron party managed to win only 33 seats this time, compared to 62 seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha Election. 

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Despite the fervour surrounding the Ram temple's inauguration, the winds of change blew unexpectedly in Ayodhya's electoral landscape. What led to this shift in the hearts and minds of the people of Ayodhya? Let's understand: 

The land acquisition drive for the construction of the grand Ram temple became a source of discontent among voters in Ayodhya. Despite the government's efforts to widen roads and develop infrastructure in the temple’s vicinity, scores of people whose families have been residing here were forced to surrender their properties including shops and homes to the district administration. Residents of Ayodhya said that the BJP failed to address this issue, resulting in victory for the Samajwadi Party. 

BJP Candidate Lallu Singh’s Contentious Remark On Constitutional Amendments

Another reason behind the shocking mandate is believed to be BJP candidate Lallu Singh’s controversial remark on ‘making a new Constitution’.  In a video that went viral across social media platforms, Singh had said that even a government with a 272-seat majority would struggle to amend the Constitution. “For that, or even if a new Constitution is to be made, there is a need of over two-thirds majority,” he had said. Political observers believe that this controversial remark could also have added to BJP’s defeat in the temple town.

BJP candidate Lallu Singh failed to establish strong personal connections with the voters of Ayodhya. (ANI Image)

No Focus On Local Issues

The BJP, confident of victory on the issue of consecration of Ram temple, overlooked the pressing local issues that demanded its attention. Unemployment, inflation, paper leaks and land acquisition were among the key issues that were overlooked by the saffron party. Some of the residents told the media that people voted for change as the sitting MP failed to do anything for them. One of the BJP supporters identified as Vijay Yadav told the Indian Express that the grandeur of the Ram Temple impressed outsiders, but the residents were unhappy as they faced inconvenience in the process. 

Dalit Factor And Akhilesh’s PDA Formula

Akhilesh Yadav’s formula focusing on backward, Dalit and minorities resonated with Ayodhya. Awadhesh Prasad, a nine-time MLA and a key Dalit face of the SP defeated Lallu Singh, who was seeking re-election for the third time. Political experts believe that BSP votes were transferred to SP as Awadesh Prasad is a Dalit leader. 

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On BJP’s defeat in Ayodhya, Akhilesh Yadav said, “I thank the people of Ayodhya. You would have seen the pain of Ayodhya from time to time. They were not given adequate compensation for their land, you snatched their land forcibly by slapping false cases against them. That is why, I think people of Ayodhya and neighbouring areas voted against the BJP."

Candidate Selection

BJP's choice of long-time MP Lallu Singh failed to ignite the enthusiasm of voters, who expected a high-profile candidate from the constituency. Despite his tenure, Singh failed to establish strong personal connections with the voters. In contrast, the INDIA bloc fielded Awadhesh Prasad, a formidable SP leader and nine-time MLA, who effectively connected with his supporters and appealed to the general public to vote for change.